Kilchoman Machir Bay (2015 Edition)

It appears some time has passed since my last new whisky review, so I dedicated time on this unusually warm November Saturday to address this task. I have a nice 2oz sample of Machir Bay provided by a friend. It's a single malt blend of 3, 4, and 5-year-old Scotch from the newcomers to Islay, Kilchoman. It is non-chill filtered, contains no added color, and is bottled at a pleasant 92 proof. As it sits in the Glencairn tasting glass, it presents a very light, straw color and coats all sides of the glass with a nice, oily sheen that settles slowly, leaving behind pleasingly silky thick legs. After about 10 minutes of resting, the initial nosing is quite intriguing. I anticipated a substantial amount of peat, but it's very subdued in the background. It's overshadowed by pleasant lemony zest and vanilla frosting sweetness. I believe this spent only about 2 months in sherry casks, so I wasn't expecting much from that influence. I expected oak and peat. A surprise indeed. The first sip is as surprising as the aroma. There's a pleasant hit of orchard fruit, a burst of lemon quickly overtaken by peat and youthful oak vanilla. It's a very lively and juicy experience. The finish is the only aspect that leaves something to be desired – it's quite hot (as expected given its overall youth) and this rapidly obliterates everything else. There's a slight burn that lingers, resulting in a less-than-ideal finish, but the overall flavor profile is enjoyable. Closer to 3.75 than 3.5 stars for sure. I believe these folks will certainly establish themselves among the prominent Islay producers once their spirit has aged 10 to 15+ years along the shores of Machir Bay. This is a very good beginning, and at under $60 a bottle, it's worth your time and money to support their journey. Cheers.

The youngest distillery on Islay (founded 2005) offers its 'Machir Bay' non-age statement expression at 46% ABV, with natural color and without chill filtration. The nose is fairly simple, showing earthy, dusty peat smoke alongside lime juice and honey. The arrival is fresh, a little spirited but well-put-together with sweet spices, dry peatiness, and some salted peanuts. Tasting briny, peppery, and aromatic as it develops, the finish is clean with slowly fading notes of dark chocolate and smoked ham. Kilchoman is certainly progressing, although it's rather expensive for such a young whisky. RATING: 3.5 out of 5.0 stars equals 84 points → ABOVE AVERAGE

Among the more affordable, medium-peat Islay options, this might be my top pick. Its aroma is delightful, though somewhat misleading – there's only a hint of smoke, but abundant vanilla and sea spray, along with traces of sawdust, damp earth, tropical fruit, and black pepper. The taste is simultaneously sooty, sweet, and briny, as an earthy peatiness contrasts with the vanilla and sea salt, while a medley of tropical fruits lingers in the background. The finish is of moderate length, slightly dry, and brings back the sawdust and pepper notes from the nose. It's certainly worth looking for!

The aroma features light peat smoke and some earthy notes; however, a slightly sweeter vanilla, oak, and hay scent emerges, masking the heavier aromas. The palate is immediately hit with smoke. It's quite dry but has a mid-palate sweetness peaking with vanilla and honey before a spicy, peppery note swiftly arrives, overpowering the sweetness. This leaves a slightly spicy finish with a tingling burn, revealing the whisky's youth. Overall, it's very pleasant and as anticipated. However, I favor 100% Islay expressions over this one.

A recent acquisition and, wow, it's a good one! Worth seeking out. Green peat on the nose with hints of sour apple and sweet iodine. The arrival is incredibly sweet with smoke and peat. It gives way to more sour apple notes. A great oily mouthfeel. The finish features alternating waves of sweet peat, smoke, and a touch of mint. It's non-age-stated, so quite young, and I suspect it would be splendid with a bit more aging. Update: Ultimately, it's just too young and unrefined. It won't be getting a permanent spot on my shelf.

This peated whisky appears to proudly display its youth, and good for it! This might be the most vibrant peated whisky I've sampled. While, for example, Caol Ila evokes a rainy autumn day, this evokes a bright, sunny morning full of potential. I'm detecting lovely lemon citrus notes alongside the peat and barley. This was a Christmas gift that I've savored over several months. Definitely worth the wait.